3 off the board free agents the Blue Jays should consider

MLB free agency has now been open for two weeks and things are just starting to pick up. Players are accepting qualifying offers, some players are starting to sign with teams. The Toronto Blue Jays continue to be linked to the top free agents on the market. But what about the second- and third-tier free agents? Could some of them be on the Blue Jays’ radar?

Well, it is a good time to examine what free agents would be good fits for the Blue Jays. And not star players, but instead those who not a lot of fans are really thinking about. Players that would be ideal fits with how their current roster is constructed, platoon players but who also have everyday starter potential.

3 off the board free agents the Blue Jays should consider

Jorge Mateo

First up, one of the ultimate utility men in the league, Jorge Mateo. He would be a great fit for the Blue Jays because of what he brings on the field. He can play shortstop, second base, all the outfield positions, and if absolutely needed, third base.

For a baseball club that thrives on defensive substitutions late in games, adding a utility man like Mateo would be a great decision. In terms of hitting, he isn’t going to do a lot. He’s going to hit somewhere around .200 or less, hit a few home runs and collect 20 RBI.

But ultimately, Toronto wouldn’t be signing him for his hitting ability, but rather what he brings on the field, which is versatility.

Lane Thomas

Next up, Lane Thomas, who was someone the Blue Jays were linked to when he was traded from the Washington Nationals, but he was traded to the Cleveland Guardians instead. However, he is still a very solid player, especially at the plate.

He is an above-average fielder, with good speed on the base paths. Unfortunately, last season was a struggle for him, his season came to an abrupt end after hesuffered a season-ending injury. In 125 at-bats he had only 20 hits, four home runs, and a .160 batting average. But in the past, he has been a good secondary hitter in the lineup.

He would fit well behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, and potentially even Bo Bichette. Thomas would also be agood replacement for Anthony Santander if the Blue Jays were able to trade him this off-season to clear some money off the books.

Pete Fairbanks

The last one on this list is former Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks. Most Blue Jays fans would want Edwin Diaz, Ryan Helsley, or even Devin Williams, but Fairbanks could be a cheaper option, and one that could help stabilize their bullpen.

Last season, he had a 4-5 record with a 2.83 ERA along with 27 saves in 60.1 innings pitched. This season, he is projected to have a 3.60 ERA with 17 saves in 60 innings pitched. That would be a huge addition to the Blue Jays bullpen, especially when you consider how much they struggled at times in the postseason.

Fairbanks could come in and be a high-leverage pitcher who could be used in the seventh, eighth, and even ninth inning.